Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed confidence and optimism as the Black Stars prepare to face Panama in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L opener at the Toronto Stadium on Wednesday.
The Black Stars, ranked 73rd in the world, are making their fifth World Cup appearance, with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals.
Read Also: Queiroz to lead Ghana at 2026 World Cup
Panama, ranked 34th, returns to the global stage for the first time since 2018, when they exited at the group stage.
Queiroz embraces World Cup test
Queiroz, who is set for his fifth World Cup finals as a coach, highlighted the unpredictable nature of the tournament while stressing the importance of commitment on the pitch.
“The final outcome of football is always a mystery,” he said.
“There is no formula, and that is why it’s still so special after all these years. How much are you committed on the day of the game?”
The Ghana coach suggested confidence in his squad’s readiness as they prepare to face a well-organised Panamanian side.
Confidence in Ghana’s strengths
Queiroz backed his players to deliver a strong performance while acknowledging the threat posed by their opponents.
“We’re strong and we’ll showcase our strengths in the game,” he said.
“Panama is a well-organised team, and we hold them in high regard because they are competitive. We have good solutions to their strengths and will try to expose the weaknesses they have.”
Experience meets caution
The 73-year-old former Real Madrid and Portugal coach also reflected on the lessons he has learned across decades in management, stressing the fine margins in decision-making at the elite level.
“One thing I took from my past experiences is that there is a difference between a good decision and the right decision,” he said.
“It’s not always something that you can know at the time. Sometimes you make the right decision, and it doesn’t turn out that way.”
Queiroz added that his vast experience would be central to Ghana’s campaign, while acknowledging the unpredictability of tournament football.
“I learnt quite a bit from coaches and from players, and I believe that this is now an opportunity for me to consider and really put together everything that I’ve worked for, every decision I’ve made.
“I hope God gives me the inspiration to make the right decisions, to use my experience and everything that I’ve learned in my life so that I can make the right decisions at the right time.”
Ghana begin their World Cup campaign against Panama, aiming to make a strong start in Group L and build momentum toward a potential knockout stage push.
